East Railay Bay Beach
East Railay Bay sits on the eastern side of the Railay peninsula, enclosed by towering limestone karst formations that rise directly from the shoreline and make it one of the most visually striking coastal spots in Krabi. The beach is completely cut off from road access, which gives it an isolated character despite attracting a steady flow of visitors arriving by longtail boat from Ao Nang. As the main arrival and departure point for the Railay area, East Railay has a more functional, active atmosphere compared to its quieter western neighbour. The beach itself is better suited to sightseeing and exploration than swimming — visitor reviews note that the water can carry some odour and may not always be clean, particularly during wetter months. That said, the surrounding area rewards those who look beyond the shoreline: nearby caves hold cultural significance and are visited by those hoping to start a family, according to local legend, while bars and dining options line the beach strip. Rock climbers and photographers are also well served by the dramatic natural scenery. Good to know: Longtail boats run regularly from Ao Nang and the journey costs around 100 baht one way. The dry season, roughly November to April, brings calmer waters and clearer conditions. For swimming, most visitors recommend crossing on foot to West Railay Beach, which is a short walk through the peninsula and generally considered cleaner and calmer.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After East Railay Bay Beach, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Lovely beach , nice rocks, great caves loads of nice bars, well worth a vist
A surreal place worth visiting as it's only accessible by boat and the rock formations are breathtaking. The water was a little dirty but to be expected in monsoon season. What we did not expect was an extremely large garbage barge beached right smack bang in the centre of the beach! Really??? I thought it may have been an art installation at first, showing tourists how much rubbish is in our oceans but .....
We can’t enter the beach through the land, and have to take a longtail boat to the beach. It’s costs 100 baht for one side. Nice beach and a lot of activities to do and places to see. But the beach itself is full with longtail boats and you can’t really enjoy the beach. Overall, recommend to visit.
Tips for Visiting Beaches & Islands
Check Monsoon Seasons
The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) has rough seas from May to October. The Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) is roughest from October to December. Plan your island-hopping around these windows.
Snorkel Gear Is Cheap to Buy
Rental gear is often scratched and ill-fitting. Buy a decent mask and snorkel at a Tesco Lotus or Big C for 300–500 THB — cheaper than two days of rentals and much more hygienic.
Book Ferries on 12Go.Asia
The 12Go platform lets you compare ferry operators, times, and prices between islands. Book a day or two ahead in high season. Avoid the cheapest operators if reviews mention safety concerns.
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Wat Tham Suea
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Kodam Kitchen branch 1
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Krabi Town Night Market
Weekend night market with vendors for food, clothing & souvenirs, plus live music & seating.
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Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus/minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental